Think tank dialogue links China, Italy on finance and trade
The China (Shanghai)-Italy Economic and Financial Think Tank Dialogue (2026) was held on Nov 9 at the Shanghai Administration Institute as part of the CIIE Shanghai Events and Conferences program.
The China (Shanghai)-Italy Economic and Financial Think Tank Dialogue (2026) is held at the Shanghai Administration Institute on Nov 9. (Photo via China Daily)
The two-day dialogue featured a main session and three parallel sessions on topics including high-level opening-up and global development, Shanghai's opportunities for global partnership, and fiscal and financial governance. More than 100 experts from government, financial institutions, universities, administrative institutes, and businesses participated in the discussions.
Giovanni Tria, co-chair of the China (Shanghai)-Italy Economic and Financial Think Tank and an honorary professor of economics at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, said that China's substantial savings base and Europe's industrial upgrading needs could support broader cooperation across bonds, credit, and other financial instruments.
He said that Shanghai, as an international financial center, is well positioned to serve as a gateway for China-Europe financial cooperation, adding that bilateral ties should extend beyond trade into investment and finance.
Nathan Levialdi Ghiron, rector of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, proposed joint research on cases in the concrete industry, drawing on China-Europe trade, artificial intelligence, Shanghai offshore finance, and proof-of-concept work. Such studies, he said, would support investment decisions by companies in both countries.
Liu Yuanchun, president of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, said AI is reshaping investment and financing demand and will affect return expectations and financial supply.
Liu added that capital will continue to flow toward countries and sectors with AI advantages, driving structural change in financial institutions and global capital allocation.